ADVANTAGE - I'm going for it...

[DisTwix]

Well - I have been trying to get a deal on a rental car for Sept 25-30th. We didn't rent the past trip (Feb), but have rented maaaaannnny times in the past, and I've NEVER paid more than $20 a day, including all taxes and fees, for a car.

As everyone else is experiencing - these days it's different. I have dilligently searched and searched, using all my code-hound skills, on a nearly daily basis for about three weeks now, and the absolute cheapest I could find was a Compact @ Alamo for about $160 (hard to say the exact, since their price doesn't reflect the $35 coupon I have). Even Advantage wasn't coming in significantly enough cheaper to justify the shuttle ride (I can be a bit of a ).

However, I checked it today and lo, to my wondering eyes did appear!!! A rate of $112.29, inclusive. For that kind of savings, I'll take the friggin' shuttle!!!!!

For the folks that have used Advantage - what has your experience been? For the folks still out their searching, try Advantage - use rate code ADVAN (it's the one listed on their website!).

 

[Lewisc]

This has to be the third or fourth thread in the last week with the same question. I don't think many (any?) DIS have used Advantage since Hertz purchased it from bankruptcy. It looks like Hertz is offering some attractive (introductory?) rates to jump start the brand. I can't think of a single reason not to give it a shot.

I don't know if they have a "quick rent" program or online check in. The only downside is the possibility of a wait. Looks like the savings are worth even an hour (doubt it would be that long) wait. Just be prepared for a possible "hard sell" .

 

[DisTwix]

This has to be the third or fourth thread in the last week with the same question. I don't think many (any?) DIS have used Advantage since Hertz purchased it from bankruptcy. It looks like Hertz is offering some attractive (introductory?) rates to jump start the brand. I can't think of a single reason not to give it a shot.

I don't know if they have a "quick rent" program or online check in. The only downside is the possibility of a wait. Looks like the savings are worth even an hour (doubt it would be that long) wait. Just be prepared for a possible "hard sell" .

I agree... the savings are worth the risk. I still have my other reservation in case something catastrophic happens....

I will absolutely report back on how it goes - we're still a month out... hopefully some folks will share some good experiences between now and then!

 

[Lewisc]

I agree... the savings are worth the risk. I still have my other reservation in case something catastrophic happens....

I will absolutely report back on how it goes - we're still a month out... hopefully some folks will share some good experiences between now and then!

JMO but the only "risk" is getting on a line that takes an hour. Maybe a wait while they get some cars from the Hertz lot. I'm not even sure I'd worry if I read bad reports. It may take time for Hertz to staff Advantage to accommodate reservations.

 

[lisaanddenny]

$108 total for 9/30~10/7~ economy car, the cheapest this year! I have used Advantage before without any issues. I hate using public transportation.

 

[jordgubben]

I just took the plunge and booked them as well. I had been leaning that way based on price but hesitant due to some of the reviews. Hearing they have been bought by Hertz (I hadn't noticed the Hertz info at the bottom of their page before) made me a feel a bit better. I guess we'll see. *fingers crossed*

 

[Michael623]

Here is my impression I expressed on another Advantage thread this week:

That has become a very popular question over the last few weeks due to the fact that their rates are typically much lower than the other agencies at MCO. I believe many of us are waiting for a report from someone who has rented from them recently but no one has stepped forward yet. The only reviews I've seen were a year ago or more (usually so-so at best) but since then Advantage has filed for bankruptcy and their assets were purchased by Hertz, one of the most reputable rental companies. Keep in mind that they are off-site so renting from them does require a shuttle ride which I think is a bit of a pain but to save $50+ I'm willing to give them a chance. I have a reservation for early October and unless one of the on-site agencies drops their price significantly I have every intention of using them. That being said, I would really like to hear some recent reviews too. Their weekly rates for September are about $300 less than any of the on-site places so I have to assume someone will use them and give is a review, right? Anyone????

Please let us know how you make out.

 

[springandmac]

I took the plunge too for early November. And to spice up the experience some, I'll be using a debit card. I'll report back on that since I know there's alot of questions about renting with a debit card.

 

[lawgs]

here is a review of charges at Advantage for Sept 26 - Oct 3 rental at MCO

this is for a standard G6 163.94, mid size is cheaper....

weekly: 1 week at 112.27 USD

with unlimited free miles
rate code LBWKJ


Additional Items (included in Approximate Total Charges)
Taxes 10.01 USD
PRIVILEGE FEE IF ARRIVING ON A FLIGHT WITHIN 48 HOURS: 10.77 USD
Rental surcharge & vehicle license fee recovery 17.36 USD
MISCELLANEOUS TRANSACTION FEE 12.50 USD
ENERGY SURCHARGE: 1.03 USD
This Rate is Guaranteed

the bolded above does not make sense

the 12.50 fee looks like the "customer facility fee" which was thought to be charged for ONSITE car rentals ( 2.50 per day to a maximum of 12.50 ) as a tax to "fund" the new parking/rental structures being built at MCO

just called Advantage, got Hertz. but they do advantage

The bolded fee looks like the airport "bus" access fee, so the cost for the shuttle to the pick up site ( % of the base rate )

taxes...well we know that orlando/florida gets that

the rental surcharge and licence recovery, well that is the tire and battery 2.05 per day plus the licence recovery fee ( state tax ) since all the tourists are wearing out the roads ( tongue in cheek )

the miscellaneous fee is actually the "customer facility fee" which she said pays for the offsite rental facility where " a bunch of car rental companies are located " ( such as in Las Vegas and Baltimore ) but since it is just advantage and Hertz at that site, it seems that OIA is getting the "facility" fee regardless of being ONSITE or OFFSITE car rental agency ...all renters are paying for the new center ( Hertz is eventually suppost to be ONSITE so this may explain this charge )


bottom line is still gonna be the final dollar amount of course

if you use the ADVAN code listed above you get a 5% reduction on the base rate

 

[SamSam]

Seriously thinking of going with Advantage because of the good rates. For those that have used them, do their buses run on a regular, constant basis? I really don't mind it being offsite, if there's not a long wait for the bus and if thier site is not too far.

In Vegas all the rental cars are offsite and it works fine, but they have buses running one right after the other so there is never a wait that amounts to more than a few minutes.

 

[Emmabean2000]

First off, thanks for all the posts! We are looking at a January trip, and was debating driving down, in part due to rentals currently showing $400 for a compact! Now, I know they will come down, but still...I was able to reserve a car for 10 days for $219

My question is, if we have family that can meet us at the airport, is it simple enough to have them drive us to Advantage, or is it a gated location, that only allows thier buses in and out of the parking lot?

 

[yankebabie]

I just booked an economy car at Advantage for the week of 9/12 for $112.70, total.

 

[rlahsin]

okay...I just booked for the week of October 4th. The rate is just incredible. I will be eagerly awaiting everyone's reports! I too am very curious about the shuttle and its frequency.

 

[JimboCh]

Anyone booked prior to September 9th? We have a reservation for a midsize 10 days until the 19th for $172.01.

Can anyone report back before then?

 

[connie1042]

I am also going for it. It will save me almost 100.00. I kept my dollar reservation for now, but that is going to cost me $216.00, compared to 126.00 for advantage. Wish us luck! Sept 19-27 8days

 

[Michael623]

My question is, if we have family that can meet us at the airport, is it simple enough to have them drive us to Advantage, or is it a gated location, that only allows thier buses in and out of the parking lot?

It is 3 of us (Me, DW and DS2). My plan is to get on the shuttle with 1 bag and the car seat while DW and DS put around the airport and then I'll come back and pick up them up at arrivals. I know lots of people have hangups about splitting up at the airport but it always works for us. I used Advantage (way before the Hertz thing) At LAX and Vegas. The LAX experience was vert efficient, quick shuttle and quick through the line. Vegas on the other hand was a total train wreck, it took over an hour to get a car. I look at it this way, if it is a positive experience it gives us another option, if it is a negative experience I won't use them again. But you know, to save enough $ for a lunch at Cosmic Rays and Flame Tree it's worth the risk.

 

[Michael623]

Sorry

 

[Lewisc]

The rates people are posting look good, actually great. I wouldn't be shocked if, for at least part of the day, staffing isn't enough to handle volume. There might be a wait. Prior to fastpass we'd wait over an hour for popular attractions. A 30-60 minute wait isn't the end of the world.

As long as you have at least 2 cell phones consider having the driver go ahead to get the car while the rest of the group gets the luggage. Once you get the luggage call, if it looks like the driver still has a 30 minute wait consider taking the shuttle and meeting up at the rental office. Otherwise let the driver go back to MCO to pick up the rest of the group and luggage.

I have no idea how long the wait will be, years ago I had to wait over an hour at Alamo. The rates posters are seeing suggest Advantage will be getting a lot of new customers. The website doesn't mention online check in or any kiosks.

 

[DisTwix]

The rates people are posting look good, actually great. I wouldn't be shocked if, for at least part of the day, staffing isn't enough to handle volume. There might be a wait. Prior to fastpass we'd wait over an hour for popular attractions. A 30-60 minute wait isn't the end of the world.

As long as you have at least 2 cell phones consider having the driver go ahead to get the car while the rest of the group gets the luggage. Once you get the luggage call, if it looks like the driver still has a 30 minute wait consider taking the shuttle and meeting up at the rental office. Otherwise let the driver go back to MCO to pick up the rest of the group and luggage.

I have no idea how long the wait will be, years ago I had to wait over an hour at Alamo. The rates posters are seeing suggest Advantage will be getting a lot of new customers. The website doesn't mention online check in or any kiosks.

Agreed. For our situation, I arrive almost 2 hours before the next folks coming in, almost 3 hours before the last folks get there... I figure I have time to look at the Croc store, buy a cake of soap @ Lush, grab my luggage, get a drink, mosey out to the shuttles, and work on getting the car. Then I'll pick the rest of the peeps up @ arrivals.

I am all about efficiency!!!

 

[NJGirl]

A friend just recently came back from Disney and used Advantage. She told me NEVER AGAIN..no matter how cheap it was. It took her over 2 hrs to get a car. She said there was a line 20 people deep with one person working the counter. They only had economy cars available after being told for 30-40 mins they had NO cars available at all. They reserved a larger car...and everyone on line around them had the same issue. It was taking so long to check people out since people argued they should not have to pay the midsize or full size rates for economy cars, etc. They ended up with a glorified hatchback after 2 hours.